Before We Get Too Giddy.............

We still have deep, deep problems. Just as last season we had a squad that wasn't up to Championship class, we are now left with a team that is woefully short at League One level. The transfer window is closed. We have a real struggle ahead to find a manager we can afford, who is any good, and who would touch us with a bargepole given the toxic nature of the Oakwell job. We have five experienced players at the back, all of whom have been found wanting - even in League One. We have no natural leaders in the team, and one worthwhile striker who is struggling for fitness. This season is a write-off - although it could still get worse if we are relegated. And our greatest-ever manager has sacrificed his reputation attempting to turn our decline around and failing.

I'm not attempting to cast the doom and gloom, but it's going to be a very big ask for the Board and the incoming manager to demonstrate enough positive signs between now and May to persuade the 'floating voters' among us to sign up for yet another attempt at a recovery mission.